The Tragic Death Of Taylor Dee
Taylor Dee, born Taylor Dawn Carroll, died in a car accident on March 14, 2021, according to CBS DFW. The up-and-coming country music star was driving at approximately 10:30 p.m. in Euless, Texas. She was driving an SUV and was trying to take the exit onto Highway 360. However, she missed the turn and hit a barrier, the outlet reports. She was 33.
Dee was ejected from the car and was not wearing a seatbelt, according to police reports. A second person was in the vehicle and suffered minor injuries, but is expected to recover, CBS DFW reports.
The case is currently under investigation and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office is performing a toxicology report to determine if alcohol was a factor in the accident. Dee was survived by a son and daughter, according to Entertainment Tonight. The rising Texan singer was making waves on the country music scene, so here's a look at her life and past accomplishments.
Taylor Dee auditioned for American Idol and The Voice with no luck
Taylor Dee grew up in Garland, Texas, with her mother and brother, Chad. Her official website provides her backstory: "Things were very hard for her as a child amongst all of the fighting between her parents, and her family being very poor... Taylor turned to music for healing."
Dee was inspired by Janis Joplin, The Judds, and Shania Twain, along with pop stars like Christina Aguilera and Adele. In 2009, Dee auditioned for American Idol and in 2015, she auditioned for The Voice. However, both efforts did not work out. "Striking out again and again, Taylor Dee felt defeated and as if she was just not good enough," her website reads.
Dee began gaining momentum with bands in Texas but, in 2018, she had to take a break to help her mother, whose house had burned down. Despite these hardships and setbacks, however, Dee met songwriter Chad Roland and they began working together. Eight months later, they went to Nashville, Tenn. to record her first album. Dee dropped her first single, "The Buzz," on June 14, 2019 and the song was a hit on Texas radio stations, per CBS DFW. Then, in September 2019, Dee released the full album, The Buzz.
"I am so proud of the record we have created," Dee wrote on her website. "I have put everything I have, and every dollar to my name creating this record for myself and my fans. The pressure I felt to record something great, pushed me to the max and I cannot wait for the world to hear it."
Taylor Dee was the 'real deal'
Reactions to Taylor Dee's death are all over the country music scene and beyond. President of the Texas Country Music Association, Linda Wilson, said of the musician: "Taylor Dee was the real deal — a true talent with a heart and passion not only for her music but for people," she said. "In every performance, her talent was evident, but more importantly she allowed her fans to know her heart. She will be missed tremendously," according to CBS DFW.
A GoFundMe campaign was also set up in response to Dee's death which, as of this writing, has raised $13,070 of its $15,000 goal. On the campaign's page, Dee was called "a shining star who was going to make it in this world."
"She was a great mother of two beautiful children that she will be leaving behind," the page added. "She could make you laugh about the craziest things. Her spirit was so free and she had a voice that the angels could hear." To commemorate Dee, fans are also encouraging people to listen to her music.
Fans and loved ones urge people to listen to Taylor Dee's music
News of Taylor Dee's death is rippling through the internet, as well. On Twitter, the Country Music Views account tweeted, "I think it would be great if we all listened to her music in her memory. People may pass away, but music lives forever."
Bourbon Trail Radio, located in Lexington, Ky., tweeted about their plan to commemorate Dee. "We are going to be doing a tribute show Thursday night for [Taylor Dee]. If you knew Taylor, please send us some of her favorite songs and artists so we can honor her memory! If you want to send us a recording of a memory you have with her, we'll try to play those on air too."
A friend of Dee's also tweeted a touching message. "Country Music lost a beautiful soul today. [Taylor Dee] passed away this morning. She was my friend. She was so talented. We found out a bit ago that she is in the Top 20 on Texas Country Charts. So deserved." This rising star will certainly be missed.